Tourist Information

Donaldsonville is a treasure trove of history. Here are just a few of the places you can visit:

Donaldsonville Historic District - About 50 blocks with some 640 buildings dating from 1865-1933 are included. The architecture of the buildings from the pre-Civil War era are said to be the finest collection to be found in any Mississippi River parish above New Orleans. The district's boundaries are roughly the waterway of Bayou Lafourche on the west, the Mississippi River levee to the northeast, Church St. to the east, and Marchand Dr. to the south. For visitors from Interstate 10, take exit 182 to the Sunshine Bridge, then follow Hwy. 3089 (which becomes Marchand Dr.) into the city. Website: www.nps.gov/nr/travel/louisiana/don.htm

River Road African American Museum, located at 406 Charles St., is dedicated to collecting, perserving, exhibiting, and interpreting art, artifacts and buildings pertaining to the history and culture of rural communities along the Mississippi River. Website: www.africanamericanmuseum.org .

Historic Fort Butler Commemorative Site, viewable along Veterans Blvd., was a pivotal Civil War site build to guard the confluence of the Mississippi River and Bayou Lafourche. It was a star-shaped, log-and-earth construction, built and defended by area African-American slaves turned soldiers.

Ascension Parish Courthouse, located at 300 Houmas St., dates back to 1889. It is one of many historically significant buildings in the historic downtown area.

Ascension of Our Lord Church - 716 Mississippi St., P.O. Box 508, Donaldsonville, LA 70346 - The establishment of the Catholic church pre-dates the city by 50 years. The church's history dates back to 1770s when the original wooden mission chapel was constructed. The present structure was completed in 1896. Website: www.ascensioncatholic.com .

Louisiana Square Park, in front of the Courthouse, includes benches, a war memorial, and fountain.

Cemeteries: Donaldsonville has several historic cemeteries. The Ascension of Our Lord cemetery is one of the largest and most historic cemeteries in the Diocese of Baton Rouge. The Bikur Cholim Jewish Cemetery , as well as the Protestant Cemetary, date back to the mid-1850s.

Ascension Parish Tourism Commission: The organization promotes the parish and its municipalities as a tourist destination. Website: www.tourascension.com